DPS tanker, two others break mark in PSL meet

MANILA, Philippines - Franchesca Joves of the Diliman Preparatory School and two others broke three Philippine Swim League records as they led winners in the University of Bohol Swimming Championships, 35th leg of the PSL series,  yesterday in Tagbilaran.

Joves established a new PSL mark in the 100m backstroke with a time of  one minute, 16.45 seconds, giving DPS the second overall trophy with 137 points behind the 237 of overall champion University of Bohol.

John Sitoy of the Surigao Swim Team broke the 50m freestyle mark with a time of 48.56 seconds, breaking the old record of 51.41. Micah Lora Amoguis of the Barracuda Swim Team-Davao City  set a new norm in the 50m freestyle in 45.28 seconds.

Eleven-year-old Rian Marco Tirol, from the University of Bohol Advance Learning Center, won three gold medals – in the 50m breaststroke ( 36.94), 50m  freestyle (30.94) and 200m Individual medley (2:50.05).

Tirol is swimming for the Central Visayas Athletic Association in next summer’s Palarong Pambansa .

Bhay Newberry of Australia-Bosay won four  gold  medals – in the 200m IM, 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly.

Hundreds of swimmers competed in the event, a showcase of upcoming Visayas age-groupers who got the feel of competition, ranged against some of the best in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog and the Bicol Region.

The Ibalong Magayon Aquagliders of Legazpi City had 136 points and finished third behind DPS, under its president and former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, and  UB.

PSL president Susan Papa said she was happy to organize the first  ever competition at the newly built 50-meter swimming pool at the Advance Learning Center of Tagbilaran.

Dr. Victoriano Tirol, regional director for Region 7, said  the new swimming pool would launch a long-range  swimming program for the Visayas with the support of the PSL, adding that the next competition would be  held early January.

The visiting teams from other regions were treated to a tour of Bohol’s tourist attractions, including the famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Baclayon Church, the world’s smallest primate, the Tarsier, moreso and the  longest Zip line of 1.5 km in Danao

“The competition was both  educational and a happy experience for the kids,” said  Papa.